Purdue University To Offer Online Masterís Degree In Aviation Technology

By
Mike Mitchell

May 16, 2010 Ė
PurdueUniversityís College of Technology
will offer an online masterís degree with an aviation concentration
beginning this fall. The degree program is designed for aviation
professionals who are looking to move into a leadership position.

ďThe
College of Technology recognizes the need to make graduate
education available to individuals working full-time in business and
industry,Ē said Dr. Mitchell Springer, who administers the program
through the College of Technologyís Center for Professional
Studies in Technology and Applied Research (ProSTAR).

ďAs a result of
job and family responsibilities, working students need a nontraditional,
in- and out-of-state, high-quality educational experience, which
enhances their professional development with flexibility.Ē

Courses are taught
through a convenient distance-learning format that is proven to provide
flexibility for learning and allows the professional to maintain
obligations to career and family. The program can be completed in as
little as 22 months (five semesters, including summer), but the online
format will allow the student to pace the completion of the
requirements.Enhancing the
online experience are professors who are readily able to assist the
students as needed during the program.

The program is
designed to build leadership skills within the aviation environment,
providing the technical statistical tools for decision making in todayís
world and focusing on developing analytic and problem-solving skills.
Many of the courses focus on safety and understanding and eliminating
human error in decision and process chains.

ďThe program is
ideal for the person currently in a technical position in an
aviation-related industry who would like to enhance their innovation and
technology leadership skills,Ē Springer said.

In addition,
courses in leading in a team environment, change management,
international organizational culture and training models provide a base
for handling leadership positions. During the program a Capstone
project, specific to the studentís interest and career, is selected and
completed providing the student the chance to apply the program tools in
a real-life situation.

Classes are taught
by Purdue College of Technology faculty and administered by (ProSTAR).

For
students who may not be inclined to pursue a masterís degree, a
certificate in Aviation Leadership is also available.The certificate program consists of the first four courses of the
masterís degree program, allowing the student to apply the certificate
courses towards the masterís degree at a future date.